MDTS Training

MDTS is a New York based firearms training and personal protection consulting company. We specialize in pistol, concealed carry, shotgun, carbine, defensive knife, less lethal, physical defense and threat awareness training courses. Mobile training courses are available in N.Y. and abroad. Contact us to host a training course at your range or location. Click logo below to see schedule of classes near you.

Small Fixed Blade Knives for Every Day Carry

Small Fixed Blade Knives for Every Day Carry

*Please note, it is YOUR responsibility to know and understand the laws regarding carrying a knife. This post is for information purposes only.

There are a number of affordable, easy to conceal, easy to carry and effective Small Fixed Blade knives (SFB) available. For the purposes of this post I am speaking about a fixed blade with a four inch or less length blade. Combined with the right sheathing, carry and application methods these SFB’s make excellent Every Day Carry knives in addition to or replacing the folding knife. Here are some considerations and options to consider if looking to integrate a small fixed blade into your every day carry setup.

Sheathing

The best sheathing material for these knives is some type of Kydex or rigid plastic sheath. While leather sheaths, like leather holsters, are comfortable and nice looking they do not offer the varied mounting options for carry or rigidity that Kydex or a plastic does. Kydex offers the end-user any number of mounting and carry angles and ride heights. The sheath must retain the knife but not be so tight that accessing the SFB from the sheath requires excessive effort. We do not recommend retention straps or locks preferring some type of custom molded sheath specific to that blade. A number of companies are available that can make after-market custom sheaths for any number of blades. One of our favorites is Tom over at Dark Star Gear.

Sheathing Attachments

While the ways people can attach knives and sheaths to themselves and gear is limited only by the end-users imagination, the best attachment methods and devices we have found include:

Carry

How and where the SFB is carried is possibly more important than the type of knife. If the SFB is being carried with the express purpose of personal protection as either a primary or secondary option it must be readily accessible. The ability to access any tool, under the pressure of close quarter attack, is heavily dependent on where that tool is placed. The SFB should be placed in a “hips forward” position as close to the centerline of the body as possible, allowing easy access with either hand.

Worn close to the centerline of the body the SFB can be readily accessed and deployed with either hand under pressure of close range assault.

The three most common and practical carry locations include:

2) Pocket Carry – pocket carry allows the end-user to covertly index (Palm) the SFB in a normal, non-threatening and non-telegraphic manner. This method is heavily dependent on mode of dress, environment, sheathing and sheathing attachment methods. Pocket carry generally makes accessing and deployment problematic if accessing with the support hand.

3) Neck Carry – not our favorite option but still an option, if you decide to neck carry make certain the hilt of the knife hangs down low enough. We recommend the hilt of the SFB should rest ~1″ above the hem of the shirt or cover garment. Another option is clothing specific relying upon wearing some type of button up garment that allows access to the hilt through the opening holes between buttons. Be aware that neck carry should not cause excessive time spent fishing under the shirt to locate, access and deploy the blade.

TDI LDK worn centerline attached to bottom of brassiere

TDI LDK custom Dark Star Gear sheath

Whichever method you choose remember, what you can do while standing in front of the mirror at home is far different than what you may be capable of during close range criminal assault.

Application

Any application of a knife should be based upon the justified use of lethal force, training experience and the blade itself. My goal using ANY defensive weapon, including knives, is to get an assailant/s off of me and keep them away from me. That’s it (Credit to my friend and mentor Craig Douglas for that) to stop them from harming me or someone Im responsible for. While a number of martial arts teach a myriad of techniques using a knife, few focus on using the knife to disengage and escape. Whatever application methodology you choose to follow make sure you possess an understanding of the justifiable use of lethal force prior to your decision to carry a SFB. Check out my article, Why the Knife, for more info on our application methodology and selection of the knife as a personal defense tool.

Train, practice and test out whatever small fixed blade you choose to carry for personal protection.

SFB Options

It is beyond the scope of this post to list every production or custom small fixed blade option available. This list encompasses SFB’s I have found to be 1) affordable 2) viable 3) legal – in my jurisdiction and 4) I have personal hands on experience with carrying. You will need to investigate the legalities of knife carry in your jurisdiction.

8 Responses

My two cents Here are some facts No Court in the United States recognizes any one the right to carry a knife for self defense period. I know over 20 knife instructors who teach the subject while there are less then 10 documented cases of Police using a knife for self defense. The majority of civilians that used a knife in self defense and thought they were justified ended up with felony charges that most stuck, out of all the knife Trainers in the country only one Knife Instructors Lesson plan has been approved to be in use for a Major Police Department That is Bram Frank Know the law becarefull.

There is a link to Blade Rigs up in the attachment section under “cut spring steel”. There is 1 picture of a BR sheath with cut spring steel clip of my GryphonM10 that I got from them a couple years ago.

The reason I did not list them at the end is because when I wrote this and tried going to the BR website I get a “My Shopify” login page? I contacted Nich about this via Facebook. When the site is fixed I will put a direct link.

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Thank you Chris and the MDTS staff for a wonderful, safe, and highly informative Practical Pistol Low-light Skills class. This is an excellent instructional block that builds upon the Practical Pistol Skills 1 class (also highly recommend) and adds the considerations needed to be safe in low and no light situations.
Chris has a teaching style that is concise and avoids any skill that is unlikely to be of value under stress. Oh, and he’s a genuinely great person. He maintains a class cadence that maximizes the use of time while still allowing for adequate breaks. We started with some fundamentals, allowing the instructors to get a measure of our skill levels. We progressively moved into more difficult tasks, “layering” new skills on top of each other. By the end of the day, fundamentals, hand light use, malfunctions in the dark, barricades, threat assessment in the dark and several other skills were practiced. This may sound like a lot but you simply must go to an MDTS class to understand how effectively these programs are executed. Amazing! If the sun sets where you live and you have the basics down, take this class! Thanks again MDTS!read more

I took Chris’s Tactical Training Class 1 today.
It’s a 9-4 session that flys right by. It was informative, interesting, challenging, and just plain fun. I was extremely satisfied by the amount I learned and was able to take away to train on my own. A class of 10 or 11 was supported by Chris and 3 others from his team who were all super nice and eager to teach. I’ve been licensed for 8 years or so but never had formal training. U know, buy ammo, hit the range. (Boring after 15 minutes). However the amount that I learned today makes me excited to head back to the range to practice the drills and lessons I was taught today. I will definitively be signing up for additional classes whenever they are down in Nassau County. For $200 it’s a no brainer.read more

Excellent training experience! Chris is very knowledgeable and an extremely good facilitator. Highly recommended. Well beyond worth the investment. Looking forward to attending another class soon.read more

2nd time taking Practical Pistol Skills Class with Chris Fry and EJ at MDTS Training. I Highly recommend specifically for any new permit holder, male or female. You will end the day with knowledge, confidence and skill. This class should be mandatory. Training and Practice should never end!read more

Chris and EJ are excellent trainers and coaches. The demeanor they exhibit is extremely professional and genuine. They WANT you to succeed and give you the tools to succeed. They answer every question and take the time to work with you individually. Awesome, awesome, awesome!!!. Can't wait for the next class.read more

I just took Chris's pistol 1 course last week and it was an excellent experience! He is a fantastic instructor and very knowledgeable about pistol skills and training and personal defense. I feel so much more comfortable about handling my pistols and learned a lot about carrying and overall safety. Thank you Chris for a great class!read more

Took In-Extremis Medical Skills with Chris and EJ. Both of them explained the information in a clear and concise manner. After the lecture portion we put what we learned into practice. Both Chris and EJ were open to questions, inquiries, and more than willing to assist. I would certainly recommend this class, and I plan on taking future classes offered by MDTS.read more

I attended my first MDTS class this weekend and learned some practical and effective methods of defense. Next time I’ll be sure to hydrate more and stretch though! It was a great experience, I look forward to checking out some more events in the future.read more

I attended Chris Fry's "Practical Small Knife Seminar", and it was a comprehensively good experience. The short of it is, if you have a desire to learn applications of a knife for self-defense (as opposed for martial arts), this is the class to take. The Long of It:
Chris is approachable and calm, in and out of "instructor mode": his vernacular is specific, pragmatic, and encouraging, and he effectively gives feedback to individuals while partaking in the drills with students. The balance of instructor lecture to student repetitions is a tough one to strike, yet Chris does so by effectively chunking his instruction into simple bites with student drills inter-spaced, before going back to the next level of complexity/specificity in his instruction. This was a class well designed for both the brain and the body to learn this material; in our post-class feedback session, nearly all the students expressed they felt they were leaving the class with some degree of skill-set they could deploy immediately. Plus, his taste in music is kickass. It's worth it just to do two-tiered knife counter cut drills while Tool's "Schism" is blaring.read more

I completed the Practical Small Knife Skills class hosted by Short Barrel Shepard, material taught by Chris Fry. This was a two day class, with day one focused on deployment and use of folding blades and day two building on first days skills, adding more technical abilities. Being a martial arts instructor myself it was a great pleasure to meet and study with Chris, he breaks down the material into easy to digest sections, clearly explaining each skill or task, then providing time to rep-it-out. Day one ended with us pressure testing some of these skills, which was a welcome chance to see what works or doesn't work (pressure testing was voluntary). The class was full, with a wide range of ages, abilities and backgrounds. Everyone seemed to enjoy the material and be fully engaged throughout. Chris is very friendly and approachable, paces the class well and presents a solid foundation to this material, highly recommended - check him out!read more

Chris is a stellar instructor that will give you skills that you can put into practice immediately. The Practical Small Knife Skills Class is thorough and specific. Do yourself a favor and sign up. Train better and be safer!read more

Here is a review I posted on my blog. Great class! "MDTS Practical Small Knife Skills 12.2-3.17
In what was planned as my last training event of the year I journeyed to Jordan, Mn to participate in MDTS Practical Small Knife Skills 1 and 2. The training was hosted by my friends over at Short Barrel Shepard and conducted by Chris Fry. Chris is a member of the Shivworks Collective and based in New York. I had not taken any edged weapons training since I took Alessandro Padovani's Safer Faster Knife Defense Class back in May 2015. I decided I needed to fix this gap in my training. Chris is very adamant about not letting details of his instruction get in the wrong hands. So I will not be getting into too much detail here. Suffice to say Chris is an outstanding instructor and you need to get to a class of his if available. Chris divided his weekend of instruction into Practical Knife work and Technical Knife work. Day 1 was all practical as we learned techniques and principals using edged weapons to essentially get someone off us or create space to escape. We talked about equipment,techniques, targeting and gear configurations. Then pressure tested these different configurations to see if they actually worked. As with all Shivworks material, pressure to validate the training is a huge component. I think it is the most valuable component. Day 2 was technical, more "martial artsy" blade work. Primarily using a fixed blade, we talked about jabs,cuts,point driven methodology and guards/parries. This day was spent drilling at low pressure to practice these techniques. This day was full of a ton of information. I learned a valuable instructor development lesson as well. About 1400 I became so overloaded with information that I couldn't even remember whose turn it was to run the drill. This was powerful stuff. It reminds me in my own instruction to look for these signs of overload in my students and to pace the course accordingly. Both days ended with a debrief and emphasis of key points. Things I learned or that were re emphasized from earlier training 1. I will not be carrying a folding knife as a primary defensive tool if possible. Ease of access under pressure is just not there. 2. Small knifes can be very effective and may leave a better "impression" during the legal aftermath. 3. Everyone gets stabbed in a knife fight, how much and how badly is up to you."read more

I have taken a number of courses given by Chris and they were all excellent. Every course has been well organized, were run very safely and done in a friendly but firm manner. Chris is a natural teacher who is also very keen at diagnosing the cause of problems that you may be having and to suggest possible corrections. He and his team are also very solicitous of any physical restrictions that one may have and have always found work arounds. Looking forward to more classes.read more

I took this class because I wanted to feel more comfortable carrying a firearm. I believe it is important to learn from people who are experienced and know what they are talking about. I walked away with more knowledge than I had prior to taking the course and it really opened my eyes to the reality of how predators target their victims. It made me actually want to carry my gun for self-defense purposes. I am a small person who could easily be overpowered by someone if the situation were to arise and now I feel that I will be more aware of my surroundings when out in public. I highly recommend this training to anyone who owns a pistol. I plan to take more courses offered by MDTS in the Utica,NY area.read more

Chris has streamlined his teaching approach to be both practical and efficient..He has a way of putting very complex material into “layman’s terms”. Rather the student is a beginner or seasoned practitioner, attending his class will hone your skills to make you more confident in your abilities...
Looking forward to future training with MDTS!!!read more

I completed Practical Pistol Skills 1 after having a pistol that I have never shot. Chris was a wonderful instructor. He knows how to differentiate the instruction to the ability level of the shooter and still keep the more capable shooters engaged. He and his assistant were patient and helpful and knowledgeable. Tasks were broken down to simple steps so all could follow them but most important of all was the way safety was repeatedly stressed. I gained confidence in my ability to use a gun without feeling like the novice that I am.read more

Chris is one of the best instructors I have had for pistol skills. Doesn't matter if your a new shooter or an experienced shooter you will learn something from any of his classes. After just one course i'm hooked and will gladly be taking more classes in the future. I highly recommend MDTS to anyone who wants to sharpen your skill set.read more

Just completed Practical Pistol skills 1 after being a pistol owner for almost 2 years and hardly using my pistol. I feel 100% more confident and comfortable carrying and using my pistol. Not just at the range but in a real life event. Very new to carrying/shooting, Chris was spot on in his instruction and made it SO easy so newbies to learn. Even for students that are familiar with shooting this was a great course, Chris individualized teaching to each and everyone of his students. I would recommend this course and MDTS training to anyone, moms, dads, young, old...Chris uses such an individualized approach anyone can do this ! I look forward to taking another course with Chris in the near future.read more

I grew up shooting a 12 gauge...not an exotic weapon, but after taking Practical Shotgun, my eyes were opened to so much more about the operation and handling of that tool. What a great class and Chris is excellent. I will look forward to more training in the future with him.read more

The best firearms training I've taken to date. Over the course of taking practical shotgun 1 and 2 I've learned more than I could have imagined. Highly recommend and couldn't have asked for more out of each class.read more

If you own a shotgun for home defense this training course is a must. Chris Fry and William Aprill go over great concepts on using a shotgun in a home defense environment and analyzing the profile of an assailant. Also learned awesome methods to properly handle your shotgun and make effective reloads. Chris and William are great instructors, hoping they’ll be back in So.California for more training classes!read more

To start with I'm a neophyte when it comes to the shotgun to it didn't take much to dazzle me with shotgun skills (which Chris definitely did). But what really struck me was Chris' depth of knowledge of the subject and his ability to convey this knowledge to both beginners and experienced shooters with an dexterity that is reserved for true masters of their craft. I have been training and teaching self defense for 25 year and running a full time school for 16 of them and I have a HUGE appreciation for how Chris layers the concepts and skills in his class. Get to one as soon as you can.read more

Chris' knowledge, experience, and passion for teaching is obvious in how he conducts his class. He filled the class with technical knowledge, fundamental skills, and then had students apply them in complex, decision based skills. Further he runs a same, fun range where learning is encouraged and safety is paramount. He is a true teacher and someone whom I look forward to training with again.read more

When I first became a gun owner in 2013 I didn't have any illusions about the need for training.At the same price point that other trainers offer these beginners NRA classes, Chris's Practical Pistol 1 offered a beginners class that still challenges more seasoned shooters but allows novices to learn with noticeable improvement towards the end of the course. I recently took one of his courses and at this range every single time you eject a magazine they land right in the sand which resulted with me having 2 malfunctions that day.Thanks to the skills I learned 4 years ago I didn't miss a beat. His courses are civilian minded,the drills make you think and not just mindlessly putting holes in paper,self defense shootings ,incidents and real world data will influence the content of his courses , Chris and the other instructors who help out are very knowledgeable and will answer any questions you have.Regardless of your skill level you cannot attend one of his courses and not walk out a better shooter.He is one of the few instructors willing to provide training in Long Island beyond the NRA offerings and I especially recommend MDTS to those who have no formal training at all.read more

Every time I take one of these classes I never feel like there could have been more content. Each skills are all built upon from other skills learned that day. From beginner to pro there is always something new learned in each class. Chris is very down to earth and approachable as are all the other instructors. I would highly recommend any and all of his courses.read more

I've been in Law Enforcement for 28 years and decided to take a "Civilian" based CC class with MDTS, I'm also a firearms instructor for my department and I have to say this was one of the best trainings I've ever attended!! Chris is very patient and level headed, his range demeanor is top notch. As a trainer, it is awesome to get training from someone who is passionate about what they are doing and someone who actually Coaches students individually.read more

Chris is a great teacher. Chris has a great attitude, and is very approachable and he encourages any and all questions you may have. It's obvious he loves what he does and he is very good at it. His first concern on the range is safety, and it shows. Everything he teaches is spot on. I took the Practical Concealed Carry Skills course and it was great. He teaches you how to draw from the holster correctly. How to get on target quickly. How to smoothly squeeze the trigger. The correct hand grip. Everything he teaches I teach in my classes. I will attending his Practical Skills 2 course in Sept. and I am looking very forward to it.read more

Chris is an excellent instructor, not only for fundamentals but about all aspects of concealed carry.
His courses are a must for anyone that carries or wants to carry. Chris has several experts onsite to assist during the class
Looking forward to the next classread more

Chris always updates and improves his classes so they are never the same even after years of taking them. Not only are they very informative and safe, they are very fun too. I encourage you to take one!read more

The classes are well organized, well planned, the instruction is top notch, and atmosphere is welcoming and friendly. Those looking for firearms and modern self defense training in NY should take classes with MDTSread more

Mdts training classes are the best. The skill level and trading method of Chris are awesome. With the help of Rob and Tommy the classes run smooth and you learn a lot more than you sign up for. Thanks for a great time and experience can't wait for the next one.read more

Once again i would like to thank Chris Rob and Tommy for another awesome training class. Chris' knowledge skillset and teaching methods are nothing short of impressive. Ive attended a bunch of pistol training classes and my skill level has drastically improved. I definitely take alot home at the end of the day, this level of training keeps me sharp in between classes. I certainly enjoy seeing old friends we train with and meeting new ones, although they are serious class' we do get some really good laughs. Thanks man
Russ Bread more

When I took my first class from Chris several years ago, I was at an impasse, I was shooting a lot but could not hit the side of a barn. Chris spotted the problem (my strong side arm got all tensed up) and I was off to the races. I make it a point to attend Chris's classes every time he comes to my club, because Chris's training is the real deal, things I need to know to use a pistol safely and effectively. When Chris comes to town, I urge my friends to sign up. JUST DON'T TAKE MY SPOT!!!!!read more

Chris Fry has been a practitioner in, and teacher of, various self-defense schools and methodologies for decades; he has trained with the giants of the field, and continues to learn from the best. This is apparent in his teaching. He expertly takes this multidisciplinary knowledge and works it into a curriculum that is practical and helpful for all of his students. His thirst for self-improvement is never-ending. Chris compares and contrasts various techniques, and explains why he does something, without being judgmental of others. He continually reviews multiple sources of information and freely shares it with his friends and students without reservation. Moreover, Chris is friendly and engaging, making his class fun. I can't recommend more highly any classes taught by M.D.T.S., regardless of your personal skill level or experience.read more

Chris Fry rocks! If you're a firearms novice or seasoned veteran, I'm sure you'll get something out of his courses. My recommendation is to take his Low Light Considerations class. Amazing experience and now I'm confident I can defend my family in any nighttime home invasion situation. Take one of Chris's classes and I can guarantee you'll take more!read more

Chris is an excellent trainer and skilled in many facets of self-defense. His style is to build up a person's skill set with clear instruction to the group and then action on the range. Each new piece builds upon the last one. By the end of the course, you've learned proven and useful skills to take home and develop further. I'll admit, sometimes the reality of not performing well under stress can be humbling, but the only failure would be to not apply those lessons towards your future training and preparedness! Safety is paramount at all times, but this review would not be complete without mentioning just how much FUN the classes are! Chris and his team are a bunch of great guys, hands down. For anyone serious about improving their skills and protecting their home, family and self, sign up for a class.read more

Just got back from attending Practical Pistol 1 today. This was my first time training and I went into it with an open mind and willingness to hear what I was doing wrong. In fact I was hoping to have the instructors find flaws so I could work on changing them. Right after the first drill Chris was able to point out something I was doing that I never thought was a problem, but just being made aware I was doing it (looking over my sights to check placement after my shots) I was immediately able to improve my grouping on the next drill. Throughout the rest of the day Chris and E.J. (the instructors) were able to help me identify a few more weak points and provided useful info on how to alleviate them. On the other side, when I was performing well, they added levels of complexity to the drills (like moving while reloading) that helped push me just a bit more. I honestly feel like I walked out of today's course a better shooter than when I walked in. I also feel much more confident in my ability, and have a clear path on how to continue progressing my skills. I would absolutely recommend MDTS to anyone. Whether a complete novice or an experienced shooter. The ball is now in my court to apply the skills I learned today (I absolutely plan on drawing and dry firing each time now, the point about different clothing behaving differently was an excellent one) and I hope to be back with Chris and MDTS as soon as possible. Awesome experience.read more

Chris not only has excellent technical skill, he's clearly given a lot of thought to how to teach his material. He is clear and systematic, and he presents the material in a way that everyone can understand. He's extremely conscientious about making sure everyone in the class, from novice to advanced, is learning and progressing- he is genuinely concerned with making everyone better. I recommend him enthusiastically and without reservation.read more

I know Chris as a friend and as an instructor. Having watched him teach I was extremely confident in his ability to train myself and my wife on small knife concepts and applications. He was also kind enough to spend time instructing my wife in defensive pistol. I would highly recommend training with Chris and M.D.T.S. as often as possible.read more

I've been training with Chris for 10 years. The quality of his classes are excellent and tailored to the unique needs of a civilian who takes self defense seriously. He can equally push the beginning and experienced shooter to improve their skills in the context of the class. Chris has a holistic view of self defense and is constantly improving his own skills and his classes.read more

As the The Well Armed Woman LI Chapter Leader I have had the opportunity to train with the "best of the best" training instructors, and I have to admit that Chris is at the very top of that list. I was highly recommended to his Practical Small Knife Skills course. I was so impressed with the content of the class and my new found skills (not to forget "fun" taking the class), that I needed to return for another class with our chapter members. All we can say is Wow!! Thank you Chris for another amazing night of learning and training. TWAW LI can't wait for our next class!!! 5 Plus Stars!!!!read more

MDTS classes are thorough, upbeat and safe. Chris is a great instructor who welcomes challenges and works with each student individually. No matter your skill level, MDTS provides a great learning experience.read more

Chris hands down has definately one of the top programs going. From the first time shooter to experienced more experienced professionals it's always an informative learning experience. Chris's practicality and techniques and knowledge in so many different platforms and styles is top notch knowledgeable and it saddens me to have left NY and to miss out on the classes. I've spent numerous hours in his classes sometimes taking the same class numerous times and it is well worth the investment in time and money. Anyone looking to take the first or next step in their knowledge I highly recommend any of these programs . DEFINATELY one of the best in the countryread more

Took a couple classes with Chris so far. I have nothing but good things to say about him and his instructors. They were able to fix a lot of my bad habits and give me the tools necessary to shoot more accurately and faster.read more

Excellent, articulate instruction taught with well thought out drills and skill application. His perspective is relatable and he is able to make it invaluable as it translates our own skills to focus on. Very common sense, very much about what works for a student.read more

I have completed or enrolled in a number of courses with Chris. He is a professional that offers practical skills in a no nonsense manner. Money well invested. Bring ammo as you will be shooting.read more

I have taken several courses with Chris, he runs a well organized, safe, educational class that has the perfect blend of confidence building and the fundamentals of developing self discipline required for responsible gun ownership.
I believe in his instructional style of continually training and educating oneself.
Stay safe and God bless.read more

Taken 2 classes so far. Plan for more. Excellent trainer not tied to a specific mindset or dogma (LE, Military, etc...). Offers practical training for what an American civilian could/would face. Teaches several methods for you to explore and find the best for YOU. So good, I sent my wife for his basic handgun class ('cos she ain't gonna listen to me no how ;-) ), and she enjoyed it immensely. And yes, classes are VERY friendly towards female shooters. 5 stars/. Bravo.read more

10/16/16: Practical Pistol Skills 1 (Sackets Harbor, NY) : Chris, thank you for a great first experience. I had an amazing time and learned more then expected. You and Jimmy are a great team and awesome instructors. I am excited to get my next training on the books with you. This is a class I would recommend to everyone regardless of your experience level. As a women and first time hand gun owner, this is a must take class. You will leave this class with a great foundation and knowledge of how it utilized your pistol as a defensive tool. You will leave this class with confidence to carry daily and the desire to train harder. Thank you MDTS team for providing me with these skills that will help me to continue developing myself as a Well Armed Women.read more

Chris Fry is an outstanding orator and conveys his material utilizing a well thought out curriculum. Chris has the ability to engage his students, and keep them focused on the subject matter, while keeping things lighthearted and interesting. If you are not incorporating reality based "force on force" evolutions in your training than you are doing yourself a disservice. The MDTS curriculum is focused on the applicable laws of self-defense, the physical capabilities needed to defend yourself of another, the proper physical tools, the right mindset, and testing preconceived theories in a reality based training environment that forces people out of their comfort zone. Thus far I've taken 2 classes with MDTS and am currently signed up for an additional 2 classes. I highly recommend Chris Fry and MDTS for your training needs. Go train!
Michael Reedread more

To start Chris is a great down to earth guy. He wants nothing but to give you the most value he can while keeping his classes very affordable. Great classes for any skill level. I had only got my permit 4 days before before I took the pistol 1 course. Safety is #1 in his classes and he also makes them enjoyable. Loved switching it up from paper to steel in the class kind of like instant gratification. There is never a dumb question and no shortage of one on one help to get you to shoot as good as anyone else in the class.read more

This is the 4th class I've participated in. I encourage anyone who owns a weapon to get training from MDTS Training. The classes are filled with information and techniques that through practice will help you improve your skills. I am always proud of myself when I finish a course because they are truly so challenging. Worth every penny no lie! Check his course schedule and book a spot. You will not regret it! Thanks again to Chris, Dan and Fred!read more

When my colleague told me that we were going to this training, I was dreading it because I just received my permit and had gone to the range maybe twice and thought I'd be lost at this seminar. I was also super intimidated by my gun and handled it like it was a grenade.
After taking this course, I walked away with a passion to learn more and a real appreciation for the privilege of carrying concealed. When my gun malfunctioned at the range I'd put it down and yell for my friend to help me, now I can clear a malfunction in seconds. I never wanted to wear my pistol and after this course, I never want to take it off.
This course should be mandatory for anyone who carries. Chris, your an amazing instructor and I'm thankful to have learned from you.
Thanks again looking forward to future courses!read more

I took Chris' knife skills seminar yesterday and had a fantastic experience. Chris is a great instructor and teaches at all levels. I had very little experience with knives entering the course, but left feeling much more prepared and knowledgable. I highly recommend his seminars.read more

Our knife course was well thought out in presentation. Chris's patience as well as encouragement and observation of his students made for a great learning experience. My opinions were altered as we progressed and renewed my confidence in my own abilities( if I practiced). Thanks, Chris!read more

Just got home after taking Chris' practical knife class. It was so much fun. The learning curve was huge for me, the pacing moved but was just right, and the take home skills/knowledge will be a life saver/game changer.read more

Very instructive class at New Paltz with Chris Fry. I hope to get one A-HA moment out of each training class. This one moment makes the whole class worthwhile. My A-HA moment on Saturday involved knives and knife carry. I hate folders; I own folders, but I am not coordinated enough to deploy a folder during periods of stress. Sooo...I carry a small, fixed blade. Easy to access and deploy weak side, not so easy strong side. I saw Chris carrying a "clinch pick" mounted just below horizontal at about 10-11 O'Clock during one of the breaks. A-HA! New addition to my EDC, easily accessed and deployed with either hand. Thanks Chris!read more

If you want to build your confidence level and gain a lot of useful information and skills, attend a class from MDTS. Very helpful and informative. Looking forward to attending my next class!!read more

Chris is definitely the best instructor I've trained with. He is very knowledgable and teaches you in a way that you can understand. Also Chris does not have a military or law enforcement background so he teaches things that he has learned and experienced from taking classes himself and things he's faced in real life situations.read more

Chris is one of the most articulate trainers in the business. In 26 years of police work I have seen almost every major trainer in the business and Chris is one of the best. He has a unique prospective as a civilian concealed carry holder and life long, elite level, martial artist. He has a deep understanding of empty hand, knife, handgun, and long gun. Chris is especially competent in the extremely close quarter range. Chris could teach to a spectrum of clients from absolute beginners to elite level competitor's, law enforcement, and military. MDTS is one of the few companies I regularly recommend for training.read more

Without a doubt the best firearms instruction I've received at this time. Chris' ability to explain his methods and have them make 100% since is a huge part of what makes him an amazing instructor. To date I've taken 3 of his handgun classes 2 shotgun classes and 1 knife class. At every class with his help I've been able to grow as a shooter. I highly recommend his classes to all of my friends and have been since my first class in 2011.read more

Chris Fry is at the forefront of modern defensive training today, presenting multidisciplinary problem-solving material that is equalled by few instructors anywhere. He brings a depth of experience and understanding to coursework that makes every moment of tremendous benefit to students. He is also a gifted coach, able to identify and address student needs in a supportive and positive environment.
Highest possible recommendation!read more

Chris Fry is one of the finest coaches around, beyond a shadow of a doubt. I constantly learn new things from Chris every time I train with him. MDTS is one of my go-to places to keep my skills and knowledge sharp.read more